tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post5453775018432813116..comments2024-03-27T11:16:36.951-07:00Comments on One Cʘsmos: Breaking: Sisyphus to Replace Christ as CEO of CosmosGagdad Bobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-18417576799040639502012-11-28T09:25:09.762-08:002012-11-28T09:25:09.762-08:00Agreed. Todays' post gets into this subject o...Agreed. Todays' post gets into this subject of losing contact with higher dimensions. Gagdad Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-63235288717838753632012-11-28T08:54:39.088-08:002012-11-28T08:54:39.088-08:00Actually I would argue that time is the first spir...Actually I would argue that time is the first spiritual - or at least mental - dimension. Our senses do not observe time directly, but just immediate data. Our furry friends do not seem to observe time at all, even though they have memories and use them (for instance to avoid dangerous places or objects). Only humans seem to create a 4-dimensional world model, which we assume are a reconstruction of an external 4-dimensional world. But for most people it stops there. They relate to the fifth dimension or above only indirectly through tradition, not by personally exploring it as with the fourth dimension. This may well be the safest for the time being, but if they lose tradition, they will lose the fifth dimension (eternity) completely and become unable to step outside of time. Trapped in time they will become unable to perceive it objectively and sink to the level of animals. The fact that people don't care a whit about the national debt or deficit is a sign of this already happening, I say. Unable to step outside of time, time itself becomes unreal to them. Time and causation is no longer an objective, hard, unyielding reality, but rather something they can vote away.Magnus Itlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445902788427523461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-90795796934671609062012-11-28T05:29:32.634-08:002012-11-28T05:29:32.634-08:00Magister said "Does Dawkins want to press cha...Magister said "Does Dawkins want to press charges? If so, it would be irrational of him. He would have no basis on which his reason could rest. Brute force is all he and his brownshirts would have."<br /><br />Reason requires imagination, without that you are left with simple and lifeless calculation. Dawkins has no imagination, at best he substitutes a sense of stupifaction over the very large and the very small, which can lead to imagination, but not once you've closed and barred the door to it.<br /><br />Dawkins and the like do not practice Reasoning, only calculating, and so the brute force & brownshirts inevitably become the fashion of the day.Van Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08470413719262297062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-26992973839824223472012-11-28T05:23:17.253-08:002012-11-28T05:23:17.253-08:00"Since man would be reduced to a mere object ..."Since man would be reduced to a mere object in an objective world, "he would remain mired in the world and in himself, and no longer go through the mysterious process which he is" (ibid)."<br /><br />Or in ether words, having lost the habit of look up[insert OC symbol here], if a light shines in the sky and no one sees it, was it visible?<br /><br />Yes, but they wouldn't gno it.Van Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08470413719262297062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-75288680344670726912012-11-28T05:18:55.213-08:002012-11-28T05:18:55.213-08:00"This is why the left also goes after private..."This is why the left also goes after private property with such disgusto. For if you can delegitimize that, then everything else -- life, speech, religion, the rule of law, self-defense, the pursuit of happiness -- comes crashing down as well."<br /><br />Ahhh. A well timed pick-me-up, seeing that in print. Yes indeedy.Van Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08470413719262297062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-31362335963359590442012-11-27T23:47:49.847-08:002012-11-27T23:47:49.847-08:00Chris, my previous post came across as hostility -...Chris, my previous post came across as hostility - apparently at Perennial Philosophy, or at least at the Perenialist who wrote the article. But it was really more disappointment than hostility. Disappointment in the solution to the dilemma that the Perennialist Conceptual Schemata doesn't fit all traditions, with Christianity being one that was specifically discussed in the paper. I interpretted their "solution" as redefining or de-emphasizing certain terms with the intent of glossing over the problem rather than genuinely addressing it, even to the point of admitting impasse.<br /><br />But, maybe I misunderstood and I'm off half-cocked and railing against the wind - it wouldn't be the first time :)<br /><br />That said, that paper does touch on the problem I have with Perennial Philosophy, at least partially. The paper cites the Christian traditions of the Incarnation and the Trinity as not fitting within the four tiered schemata, but I would add that the Cross is equally, if not more troublesome as it is either not necessary or it rises above the human response to God's calling, regardless of tradition.<br /><br />Let me also say, that I know I don't have all the answers and I enjoy hearing the views of other honest seekers - and that's why I dig Gagdad Bob too.EbonyRaptorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483546359869912858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-59636430081494202012-11-27T20:22:12.961-08:002012-11-27T20:22:12.961-08:00ER,
There can be no doubt that the majority of tr...ER,<br /><br />There can be no doubt that the majority of traditional Christians (and theists of all stripes for that matter) are largely hostile to the Perennial Philosophy. To the "exoteric", the claim that theology is "transcended" by pure metaphysics is simply the re-emergence of the old gnostic heresy of antiquity- essentially a syncretism. If Christianity is just one "path", this has the effect of demoting the historical Jesus to one of many competing saviors. I must confess that the notion that the Koran is "the Word made book" and represents another manifestation of the Logos is a difficult claim to sustain. Despite such difficulties, I still find the Perennialist perspective to be persuasive and the best understanding of the reality of the plurality of religions. But I do find myself "swaying" from the poles of formless spirituality to a more exoteric exclusivist view.<br /><br />Some years ago, the Perennialist, Ananda Coomaraswamy, had said that the people that we don't like (integralists, theosophists, new agers) like us and the people that we do like (the devotees of Tradition) don't like us. Being a Perennialist Catholic can sometimes feel, well, strange.<br /><br />I think that's why I dig Gagdad Bob.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04865413665629644313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-29508676601019810022012-11-27T17:43:25.872-08:002012-11-27T17:43:25.872-08:00The whole subject came up over a book he had given...The whole subject came up over a book he had given me on "four-dimensional geometry" (which I have yet to attempt). I mentioned that I thought such a geometry might serve as at least a pale metaphor for higher dimensional thought. As it could be contrasted with "three dimensional" logic and empiricism. <br /><br />I thought briefly of trying to compare this higher dimension thinking as something akin to a Platonic archetype. Then I thought better of it. My mistake was thinking that such a notion would be obvious to him. <br /><br />Alas.<br />Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06708393262849661076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-31415410905736400242012-11-27T16:42:19.318-08:002012-11-27T16:42:19.318-08:00The soul isn't bound by the four dimensions of...The soul isn't bound by the four dimensions of the physical world. He's just gonna have to deal with it. Gagdad Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-48834472986587397772012-11-27T16:39:10.023-08:002012-11-27T16:39:10.023-08:00"I prefer the real world of God-infused hyper...<i>"I prefer the real world of God-infused hyperdimensional evolution</i><br /><br />I once mentioned the idea of "hyperdemensional thought" to my logic bound, atheistic brother. He responded that he had no idea what I was talking about. I had to admit that to the degree that I understood it--debatable that I understood at all--I was entirely unable to explain.<br /><br />Any thoughts?Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06708393262849661076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-23774329936651642932012-11-27T15:40:56.872-08:002012-11-27T15:40:56.872-08:00Chris, I will start by admitting I may not have th...Chris, I will start by admitting I may not have the capacity to grasp the solution to the Perennialist's dilemma addressed by that paper, but it seems the "metaphorical utterance" approach is just a distraction for the purpose of changing the Perennialist mission of unity to one of not pissing off the traditionalists. Their concern for relativism might start with themselves.<br /><br />But again, I may be out of my depth, and if so - be truthful but gentle.EbonyRaptorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483546359869912858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-54372476523823990832012-11-27T13:13:46.566-08:002012-11-27T13:13:46.566-08:00Once again, the atheists beclown themselves: Athei...Once again, the atheists beclown themselves: <a href="Atheists%E2%80%99%20Mock%20Nativity%20Axes%20Jesus,%20Adds%20Darwin,%20Einstein,%20an%20Anarchist%20&%20an%20African%20Baby%20in%20WI%20State%20Capitol%20Display" rel="nofollow">Atheists’ Mock Nativity Axes Jesus, Adds Darwin, Einstein, an Anarchist & an African Baby in WI State Capitol Display</a><br /><br />If there is no god, what can it possibly matter that the adherents of one false set of beliefs borrowed elements of other false sets of beliefs to celebrate a holiday?juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15975754287030568726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-69210532742678401582012-11-27T12:33:30.852-08:002012-11-27T12:33:30.852-08:00Thanks Julie.
ChrisThanks Julie.<br /><br /><br />ChrisChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04865413665629644313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-52428228648367854202012-11-27T12:20:59.365-08:002012-11-27T12:20:59.365-08:00David,
The Perennialist tradition certainly does ...David,<br /><br />The Perennialist tradition certainly does NOT deny revelation as God's initiative. However, it would seem that classical theism sits uneasily with the emanationist view of the Perennial Philosophy by putting Divine freedom into question. But beyond that, the real tension seems revolve around the relationship between theology and pure metaphysics. The paper that I mentioned above deals with this.<br /><br /> Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04865413665629644313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-67107716263728898592012-11-27T11:52:46.714-08:002012-11-27T11:52:46.714-08:00Chris, thank you for a great question and referenc...Chris, thank you for a great question and reference. My exoteric and superficial summary of the question is whether the Perennialist tradition is resolved to deny revelation as God's initiative, and to insist that it correspond to human reason. It is so very hard for the best and wisest of us to see that however much our reason can anticipate the divine, the result is at best always and only a sharpening of our begging that He show us His Face.David J Quackenbushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11873818923450408281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-48821074122469087252012-11-27T11:50:26.663-08:002012-11-27T11:50:26.663-08:00Again, Vanderleun's sidebar seems to be joinin...Again, <a href="http://americandigest.org/sidelines/2012/11/" rel="nofollow">Vanderleun's sidebar</a> seems to be joining the coonversation...juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15975754287030568726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-34381462455100073412012-11-27T11:43:03.401-08:002012-11-27T11:43:03.401-08:00Yes; in the UK, it seems you can now lose your kid...Yes; in the UK, it seems you can now lose your kids simply because you belong to the wrong political party.juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15975754287030568726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-66214823151379165442012-11-27T11:41:31.058-08:002012-11-27T11:41:31.058-08:00Bob, this post nails SO much. Wonderful! I'm p...Bob, this post nails SO much. Wonderful! I'm printing it for the scrapbook I'm giving the kiddos.<br /><br /><i>one of us is indeed a child abuser</i><br /><br />It depends on what we mean by inculcate. I can't *force* my child to believe. I can testify in front of them, but is that "abuse"? Surely not. And I can encourage, but is encouragement "abuse"? Surely not. I do demand that the kids go to Mass on Sunday, but this is not abusive but simply my prerogative as the father of several minor-age children. When they turn eighteen, they will be free to go or not go. <br /><br />If I am wrong about God, along with multitudes, then I am simply wrong the way flat-earthers were wrong. That doesn't make me "abusive," it just makes me wrong.<br /><br />Does Dawkins want to press charges? If so, it would be irrational of him. He would have no basis on which his reason could rest. Brute force is all he and his brownshirts would have.<br /><br />If we look to the UK, however, it appears he, like Stalin, has his divisions. Tonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00987042455512485699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-54778276992575480652012-11-27T11:40:20.060-08:002012-11-27T11:40:20.060-08:00Chris, here's a link.Chris, <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:UTNrb12bGjYJ:www.esswe.org/uploads/user-files/A11-03-The-Status-of-Conceptual-Schemata-A-Dilemma-for-Perennialists.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESg1D2NCdLX5BBZ2np3p_TQ1ne1F8C3_214U0xzjQaS_2RZWHYIIZJEin9OnblA-OV_bUWIlTAsASEN8_sGZMsLuoo8-fa5Uqz51wNud5AsPpeowli5FilOknmpE_lpxLLPe9p8s&sig=AHIEtbRsiNmYy3qtuz1fEYcE1gJhHnxjnA" rel="nofollow">here's a link</a>.juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15975754287030568726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-80497340760747409162012-11-27T11:36:26.728-08:002012-11-27T11:36:26.728-08:00If there is no god, there is no shared reality. Ra...If there is no god, there is no shared reality. Rather, each individual is his own god: existence begins with his birth (or his first moment of awareness), and will cease to be upon his death.<br /><br />Or in other words, in a godless world you all are only here because I dreamed you...juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15975754287030568726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-88328781146427965442012-11-27T11:34:53.794-08:002012-11-27T11:34:53.794-08:00Hi Bob,
The writings of the Perennialists were in...Hi Bob,<br /><br />The writings of the Perennialists were instrumental to my migration into the orbit of Catholic Christianity. Since then, reading Christian thinkers themselves has put strain on my alignment with the Traditionalist synthesis. I just came across an interesting paper that discusses the central Perennialist tenet- the <i>Transcendent</i> Unity of Religions. I would love to hear your reaction to this essay:<br /><br />"The Status of Conceptual Schemata: A Dilemma For Perennialists" I couldn't create the link for some reason. Please forgive the pretension, just google it if you're so inclined.<br /> <br />Best,<br /><br /><br />ChrisChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04865413665629644313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-89899981317786080552012-11-27T10:53:55.796-08:002012-11-27T10:53:55.796-08:00In a godless world you are permitted to be anyone ...<i>In a godless world you are permitted to be anyone but yourself.</i><br /><br />Yes, the dream of the post-modern Imagineer, the profane grail of multicultural moral equivalence.mushroomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07651027035577798096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-90619678053852853422012-11-27T10:49:54.391-08:002012-11-27T10:49:54.391-08:00…because the horizon itself cannot be present with...<i>…because the horizon itself cannot be present within the horizon.</i><br /><br />Rahner has never been to West Texas.mushroomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07651027035577798096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-8768306551980094162012-11-27T10:49:15.161-08:002012-11-27T10:49:15.161-08:00Is blithering insanity on your menu for the holida...Is blithering insanity on your menu for the holidays? Here’s the perfect recipe: <br /><br /><i>Since man would be reduced to a mere object in an objective world, "he would remain mired in the world and in himself, and no longer go through the mysterious process which he is"</i>mushroomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07651027035577798096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580258.post-79236076664326856982012-11-27T09:23:23.790-08:002012-11-27T09:23:23.790-08:00In a godless world you are permitted to be anyone ...In a godless world you are permitted to be anyone but yourself.Gagdad Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14249005793605006679noreply@blogger.com